Warren chief's punishment on hold

WARREN — Saying he wants to make a “quick turnaround,” Warren’s safety-service director says he will deliver his verdict on the punishment to be given to police Chief John Mandopoulos as soon as the chief returns to work.

Safety-Service Director Doug Franklin said the chief notified him Thursday afternoon that he wouldn’t be reporting to work Friday because of illness.

Franklin said he doesn’t believe it would be respectful to announce Mandopoulos’ punishment in the media before delivering it to him in person. The chief has been in law enforcement for more than three decades.

Franklin asked Mandopoulos recently whether he would prefer to resign rather than face punishment, causing speculation that Mandopoulos might be fired.

“I’ve made my final decision,” Franklin said today.

For the complete story, see Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com